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God & Caesar:The ancient modern

clash

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Question / Comments

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Ishmael & IslamGenesis 16, 21-22Qu’ran teaches –

Hagar and Ishmael ended up in the vicinity of Mecca when the angel appeared and gave them water

Abraham and Ishael are later reunited Together they rebuilt the Kaaba, believed to have

originally been built by Adam – a temple to the one true God

Today the Kaaba is the holiest site in Islam – the direction to which Muslims pray

Ishmael was the intended victim of sacrifice on Mt. Moriah

Surah 2:124, 127Surah 37:99-113

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The Roman Empire

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The Historical-Political ContextRoman Rulers

Julius Caesar – 60-44 BC Caesar Augustus (Octavian) – 44 BC – 14

AD Tiberius – 12-37 AD Caligula – 37-41 AD Claudius – 41-54 AD Nero – 54-68 AD

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The Historical-Political ContextJewish Rulers

Maccabees (167-140 BC) Hasmonean Kingdom of Israel (140-37

BC) Herodian Dynasty (37 BC – 92 AD)

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The Historical-Political ContextRoman Governors and Officials

Four Jewish sects Jewish Tax Revolt in 6 AD instigated by

the Pharisees and Zealots Zealots committed to eradicating Israel

of foreign rule – Great Jewish Revolt (66-70 AD)

Roman Governors were appointed by Rome to maintain military control after the Tax Revolt

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A New Testament PerspectiveThe ministries of John the Baptizer and

Jesus were firmly anchored in the religio-political context of the day:

The beginning of John the Baptizer’s ministry (Luke 3:1-3)

The beheading of John (Matthew 14:1-12)The birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)

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A New Testament PerspectiveThe Temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4:8-10Luke 4:5-8A temptation to use / rely on temporal

power to accomplish his mission on earthJesus was very aware of the power of

governments to coerce people towards a goal

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A New Testament PerspectivePaying Taxes to Caesar

Matthew 22:15-22Mark 12:13-17Luke 20:20-26

A trap set by the Pharisees and the Herodians

If “yes” – Pharisees and Jewish nationalists would denounce Jesus

If “no” – Herodians would report Jesus for treason

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A New Testament PerspectiveThe coin

Denarius; a day’s wage; the amount of the poll taxBore the emperor’s image and the inscription

“Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus” on one side

On the other side “Pontifex Maximus” = “high priest”

“Give”Apodidomi = “Render”To give up, give back, pay back, return, restoreRecognized the authority of the stateGod & Caesar – two realms, two authorities,

sacred & secular

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A New Testament PerspectiveQuestions & implications

What does Jesus’ answer mean for us in 2011?Are there times we are to yield to God rather

than Caesar? Acts 5:29 Acts 4:19

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A New Testament PerspectiveTriumphal Entry

Luke 19:29-44Donkey – Animal ridden by a King“Hosannah” – “nah” was a syllable reserved for

a King, this is why the Pharisees urged Jesus to rebuke his disciples

Ceremony enacts the reception of a guest of state

Jesus is acting out his royal claim to be King

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A New Testament PerspectiveJesus’ arrest & trial –

Matt. 26:47 – 27:26 ; Mark 14:43 – 15:15 ; Luke 22:47 – 23:25 ; John 18:2 – 19:16Question of authority & sovereignty – state vs.

religionOnly the Roman state possess the ultimate power

to legally put someone to deathThe enacting of the “problem of dirty hands”

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God & Caesar

Question? Comments?

What have we learned?